Mercedes-Benz A-Class A160 Elegance 5d Auto (98) (1999/T) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Probably a good used buy, but pricy new & nearly-new. Mercedes badge not enough to account for
Costs
Servicing and repairs extortionate. Great fuel economy, even for city driving.
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On the road
Driving
Great nippy little car easy to park, fun to drive.
Performance
Good little workhorse on the whole. Interior not built to last even with care became quite tatty after a few years.
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Living with it
Reliability
When it's good, it's great, but when it breaks down it's a nightmare. All problems were BIG problems - expensive to fix.
Image
Image has suffered as the car becomes more common not the most prestigious Merc in the fleet, more a school-run car. Has lost cachet it had at launch when the shape was radical and worthy of tbadge. Needs image overhaul - which I think MB are attempting.
Comfort
It's a tardis, tiny on outside, spacious on inside. Great for 2 kids, 2 Adults - anything more is a squash and a squeeze. Super for me (5'2""), but my hubby (6'4"") found it uncomfortable for long drives (in fairness few cars are built for people over 6')
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Security and Service
Security
Seems fine, no problems.
Service
Incredibly expensive service/ repair costs for size of car at mainline dealers. Most dealerships were very helpful, long waits for repairs though since MB brought dealerships "in house"
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Fan/ cooling system packed in when car was 3
Other
Boot locked itself and was unopenable for 4 months. Resolved itself the day it was supposed to go in for repair.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes